Falcons are birds of prey that are mentioned in the Bible, though not as frequently as other birds. They are part of the larger family of raptors, known for their keen eyesight and swift flight. In the biblical context, falcons are often associated with themes of swiftness, precision, and the natural order established by God.

Biblical References:

1. Job 28:7 : "No bird of prey knows that path; no falcon’s eye has seen it." This verse highlights the falcon's exceptional vision, which is renowned in the animal kingdom. The falcon's eye is used metaphorically to emphasize the hidden and inaccessible nature of wisdom, which is beyond even the most perceptive creatures.

2. Leviticus 11:13-19 : In the dietary laws given to the Israelites, certain birds are listed as unclean and not to be eaten. While the specific term "falcon" is not used in the Berean Standard Bible, the list includes various birds of prey, which would encompass falcons. These laws underscore the distinction between clean and unclean animals, reflecting God's covenant with Israel and His desire for them to be set apart.

3. Deuteronomy 14:12-18 : Similar to the passage in Leviticus, this section reiterates the prohibition against consuming birds of prey. The inclusion of such birds in the list of unclean animals serves as a reminder of the Israelites' call to holiness and obedience to God's commandments.

Symbolism and Themes:

· Swiftness and Precision: Falcons are known for their incredible speed and accuracy when hunting. This characteristic can be seen as a reflection of divine attributes, such as God's swift judgment and precise execution of His will. The falcon's ability to spot prey from great distances and strike with unerring accuracy can serve as a metaphor for God's omniscience and omnipotence.

· Natural Order: The presence of falcons in the biblical text, particularly in the context of dietary laws, highlights the order and structure within creation. Each creature has its place and purpose, and the distinctions between clean and unclean animals illustrate the broader theme of orderliness in God's creation.

· Wisdom and Perception: As seen in Job 28:7, the falcon's keen eyesight is used to illustrate the concept of wisdom that is beyond human reach. This metaphor serves to remind believers of the limitations of human understanding and the need to seek divine wisdom.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In the ancient Near East, falcons were admired for their hunting prowess and were sometimes associated with royalty and nobility. Their ability to soar high and strike with precision made them symbols of power and authority. In the biblical context, these attributes are often redirected to point towards God's supreme power and authority over creation.

While falcons are not a central focus in the Bible, their mention serves to enrich the tapestry of biblical imagery, offering insights into the natural world and its reflection of divine principles.

How we Forsake Divine Love for that of Creatures.
... se pavonnent) sometimes in the air, and sail about hither and thither, admiring
the variety of their plumage, and then the tercelets and falcons that espy them ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter iii how we forsake.htm

! is that Foul Smell...
... And as birds also are counted victims by you, why do you not sacrifice vultures,
eagles, storks, falcons, hawks, ravens, sparrow-hawks, owls, and, along with ...
/.../arnobius/the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/16 what say you o.htm

If that which it Has Pleased us to Know is Within Reach...
... brought forth? what purpose do owls serve in the world,"falcons, hawks?
what other birds [3814] and winged creatures? what the ...
/.../the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/59 if that which it.htm

Boniface, Apostle of the Germans.
... of the first, and which, according to the custom of the times, he accompanied with
some appropriate presents for the king, [20] two falcons, two shields, and ...
/.../neander/light in the dark places/boniface apostle of the germans.htm

Striking Similes
... S. Sanctuaries where the passions may, like wild falcons, cover their faces with
their wings. Sayings that stir the blood like the sound of a trumpet. ...
/.../kleiser/fifteen thousand useful phrases/section viii striking similes.htm

Falcons (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Falcons (1 Occurrence). Isaiah 34:15 The arrowsnake
will make her hole and put her eggs there, and get ...
/f/falcons.htm - 6k

Falcon (2 Occurrences)
... tempt them. The falcons and sparrow hawks are small members of the family,
some of which feed on little birds, some on insects. They ...
/f/falcon.htm - 8k

Hawk (6 Occurrences)
... They differ from the true falcons in lacking the prominent tooth and notch
of the bill, and in having shorter and less pointed wings. ...
/h/hawk.htm - 14k

Falcon's (1 Occurrence)

/f/falcon's.htm - 6k

Eagle (27 Occurrences)
... Of perhaps a half-dozen, they recognized three eagles, they knew three vultures,
four or five falcons, and several kites; but almost every Biblical reference ...
/e/eagle.htm - 28k

Heron (2 Occurrences)
... The common European heron (Ardea cinerea) is remarkable for its directly ascending
flight, and was formerly hunted with the larger falcons. Int. ...
/h/heron.htm - 9k

Arabia (9 Occurrences)
... "Better guided than a kata" is a common proverb. Hawks and falcons are
found, and falconry among the Arabs was a favorite sport. ...
/a/arabia.htm - 43k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus